UC Berkeley's Plan to Build Housing on People's Park Heads to California Supreme Court | KQED
The California Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments on a case opposing UC Berkeley's plan to build housing at People's Park.
The court's ruling may influence the demand for additional studies before constructing new housing projects, potentially impacting the development process. [ more ]
Here are four key takeaways from Monday night's California Senate candidate debate
Garvey focused on criticizing political insiders, blaming them for issues like homelessness and crime. He also criticized President Biden's handling of the border crisis.
Garvey advocated for cutting regulations to allow more housing development and criticized the government's ineffective spending on the homelessness crisis. [ more ]
Former Mayor Sam Liccardo | Gridlock in D.C. | KQED
A slim majority of ultraconservatives are holding Washington, D.C., hostage.So what's the outlook for the 118th Congress and its ability to govern?Representative Ro Khanna joins us to share the latest on the almost unprecedented gridlock on Capitol Hill.Plus a look at the January 6th Select Committee findings and the future of California's U.S. Senate seat.
Norwalk Hatches Plan to Revamp Downtown With 3,000 Homes
Norwalk aiming to revamp historic downtown with new zoning to construct over 3,000 homes and 173,000 square feet commercial area in buildings up to five stories. [ more ]
Brookfield to Buy 70 Acres in Irvine For Housing Project
Brookfield to buy 70 acres in Irvine for $654 million, plans 1,200+ homes. Last residential village in city.
Gateway Village to include 927 homes, with average size of 1,844 sq ft. Plans to start in 2026-2027, with proceeds paying for asphalt plant purchase. [ more ]
Court Clarifies Builder's Remedy With Redondo Beach Project
An L.A. court judge recently denied developer Leo Pustilnikov's application to build a 35-unit apartment project in Redondo Beach.
The judge clarified that the site where Pustilnikov wants to build is not zoned for residential property, despite the builder's remedy applying in a coastal zone. [ more ]
WSC Listing Largest Builder's Remedy Lot in Santa Monica
WS Communities' Scott Walter and NMS Properties' Neil Shekhter with rendering of 3030 Nebraska Avenue (WS Communities, Kevin Scanlon, Getty) WS Communities, an affiliate of Neil Shekhter's NMS Properties, is planning to list its largest and most controversial builder's remedy project in Santa Monica, The Real Deal has learned.
Developers submit North Berkeley BART housing proposal
The North Berkeley BART housing development project includes 13 mixed-use and residential buildings, public outdoor space, a parking garage, and affordable housing units.
The development team aims to create a community gathering place that provides housing, retail, childcare, and parking for residents and BART riders. [ more ]
Fire at Worcester high-rise displaces hundreds on Thanksgiving Day
An electrical room fire in a Worcester high-rise apartment building displaced hundreds of residents on Thanksgiving morning.The Worcester Fire Department responded to Plumley Village at 16 Laurel St. around 3:42 a.m. and quickly extinguished the fire, The Boston Globereported.Resident Lillian Clarke told Boston 25 that she woke up to banging on her door.
Santa Claus and his reindeer visit Barking Riverside
Santa Claus meets one of the families who visited Fielders Quarter at Barking Riverside for the Christmas event (Image: Bellway London) Santa Claus and his reindeer dropped in at a new housing development to "spread some Christmas cheer".Father Christmas gave out presents to children as he visited the Fielders Quarter development in Barking Riverside on December 11.A young visitor meets one of Santa's reindeer (Image: Bellway London) The event was hosted by Bellway London Partnerships, whose acting head of sales Dominic Griffiths said: "It was fantastic to have Santa and his reindeer join us at our sales office to meet residents at Fielders Quarter.
Gov. Hochul announces plan to build more than 5,300 housing units in Gowanus
New housing developments will move forward in the Gowanus area, including over 5,300 apartments with over 1,400 affordable units.
The Gowanus Neighborhood Mixed Income Housing Development Program aims to save stalled construction projects and address the housing crisis in New York. [ more ]
California Senate OKs bill for affordable housing on nonprofit-owned land
The California State Senate passed a bill this week that would permit the construction of affordable housing units on land owned by faith-based institutions and nonprofit colleges, even if local zoning ordinances and laws would normally prevent construction.The bill, introduced last December by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), is designed to reduce barriers faced by nonprofit organizations, churches, synagogues and mosques for constructing multifamily housing units on their properties.
Can the Port Lands be part of the solution to Toronto's housing crisis? Yes, says a project manager | CBC News
As Canada's largest city battles a housing crisis, Toronto's Port Lands could handle more density if city planners call for it, according to one of the project's managers.Although housing development in the waterfront megaproject is still years away, the foundational infrastructure that will service the new neighbourhoods in the area is nearing completion.
Affordable Housing Wins, Luxury Loses In SoCal Elections
From left: Rick Caruso and Karen Bass (Getty) After months of signature-gathering and door-knocking, hundreds of millions of dollars spent and untold hours of backroom lobbying, the Nov. 8 election or, more accurately, the November-ish election, because of California's slow but inclusive vote counting has finally wrapped.
Meet the candidates: 'What must District 7 do to help meet housing construction targets?'
Incentivizing completion of large projects with community support is crucial in District 7.
Reforming burdensome permitting processes and building various types of housing are key strategies for addressing San Francisco's housing needs. [ more ]
No new gas stations, drive-thrus: Sacramento's plan to build housing and fight climate change
Sacramento City Council approves a plan to reduce carbon emissions and dependency on cars by banning new gas stations, drive-thrus, and parking mandates for new developments.
Sacramento becomes the first jurisdiction in the nation to allow unlimited housing units in a single family neighborhood under certain restrictions. [ more ]
Nordstrom chops 300-plus jobs as San Francisco store closures loom
Nordstrom has decided to chop well over 300 jobs in San Francisco as the upscale retailer prepares store shutdowns in the wake of rising crime problems and worsening economic woes in that city.The job losses will hit two Nordstrom retail sites, both on Market Street in San Francisco, according to official filings with the state government.
The Powerhouse Group Behind Michelin-Starred Spruce Is Opening a New Restaurant in San Jose
Bacchus Management Group, a restaurant group with numerous Michelin stars scattered across Northern California, will open a new restaurant in San Jose.The new Santana Row restaurant, which is yet unnamed, will occupy the now-vacant space left behind by dim sum and cocktail outfit Sino.The San Francisco Business Timesreports representatives for Bacchus and the property developers confirmed the company signed a lease for the space at 377 Santana Row, Suite 1000.
State Regulators Scrutinize Climate Plan for Controversial Richmond Housing Development | KQED
The 87-acre field of weeds and rubble with a view of Treasure Island, downtown San Francisco, the Berkeley shoreline and the Bay Bridge was once Stauffer Chemical.Climate models show this acreage nearly surrounded by water in just a few decades.The company dumped iron pyrite cylinders into the marsh near the site and made pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers.
Compromise With NIMBYs Over Six-Story Building On 18th Street Near Dolores Park Rejected By State Housing Officials
A multi-unit building that's become a cause celebre for pro-housing activists after loud pushback from neighbors over its height and sunlight concerns may revert back to its original design, after state housing officials stepped in to scold the SF Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors over a compromise plan.
Housing and mini Santana Row are eyed at Bishop Ranch in San Ramon: new plans
San Ramon's Chevron office park may be replaced with thousands of homes and a mini Santana Row, marking a significant evolution for the city.
Bishop Ranch is planning to create a live performance and music amphitheater in the mixed-use complex, along with the Orchards development that will include homes, retail space, and a park. [ more ]
If cities don't meet state housing requirements, they face the 'builder's remedy' penalty
This story was originally printed on Nov. 21 in the Post.If you want to get the scoop on local news, pick up the Post in the mornings at 1,000 Mid-Peninsula locations.BY BRADEN CARTWRIGHT Daily Post Staff Writer Palo Alto City Council may be forced to approve undesirable developments if the city doesn't get its eight-year housing plan approved by the state before Feb. 1, City Manager Ed Shikada said.
Santa Clara approves contentious affordable housing project - San Jose Spotlight
After considerable pushback from residents and uncertainty among Santa Clara councilmembers, city leaders are greenlighting a controversial multifamily housing project on Civic Center Drive.The Santa Clara City Council voted 6-1 Tuesday to build a five-story apartment project with 108 affordable units managed by Charities Housing.
The article discusses a petition to remove two members of a school board over the issue of flying the gay pride flag, highlighting the debate between a supportive message and a perceived sexual crusade.
Another letter criticizes the East Bay Times for publishing an article that appears to be biased in favor of a controversial housing development project, and highlights opposition from neighborhood groups and the historic preservation community. [ more ]
City wraps up planning for North Berkeley BART housing with vote on design rules
Berkeley City Council approves looser design rules for housing development at North Berkeley BART station, clearing the way for a proposal to build 750 apartments, half of which would be affordable.
Pro-density organizations and Berkeley's Planning Commission support the changes, while many neighbors argue that the envisioned housing project is too large and doesn't reflect the desires of existing residents. [ more ]
Property development offering upgrades at Neasden tube station
A housing development next to Neasden tube station has been submitted for planning, which could improve the tube station and support the construction of a new London Overground station.
The proposed development includes residential, student, and light industrial uses and will consist of seven buildings ranging in height from 4 to 50 storeys.
There are plans for upgrades to Neasden tube station and the addition of step-free access. [ more ]
SF Once Again Playing Chicken With State Over Housing Element, 'Builder's Remedy'
San Francisco is under pressure from state housing officials to build more housing and meet deadlines for housing development.
The city was mandated to build 82,000 new housing units by 2031 but has only permitted an average of 30 new units per month in the first half of 2023.
The Board of Supervisors is facing criticism for not taking urgent action to pass an ordinance that would quicken the pace of housing approvals. [ more ]
400-plus homes are eyed at choice site near San Jose BART station
A proposal has been made to develop around 400 homes on a site near a BART station in San Jose, which is significantly less than a previous plan for the area.
The property owners are seeking an expedited city planning review of the proposal.
The latest proposal suggests a lower density development than previous versions. [ more ]
Judge Pretty Much Shoots Down YIMBY Lawsuit Against SF Over Rejected High-Rise at Nordstrom Parking Lot
A year after the Board of Supervisors forced a proposed 27-story residential tower back to the drawing board, a YIMBY lawsuit against the city has also been forced back to the drawing board, with most of its charges tossed out.Last Wednesday was the one-year anniversary of a somewhat notorious San Francisco Board of Supervisors vote in favor of an an appeal that denied plans for a 27-story residential high-rise at 469 Stevenson Street (at Sixth Street) in what is currently just a Nordstrom's parking lot.
Affordable San Jose homes near Google village advance with real estate deal
SAN JOSE A housing development that would bring well over 100 affordable homes to a site near the footprint of Google's transit village in downtown San Jose is pushing ahead after a key real estate deal.The project would produce 154 units, of which 153 would be affordable.The remaining residence would be the manager's unit.
San Jose: 5 restaurants - French Vietnamese, Mexican, Cambodian and more - taking over key downtown spots
Five restaurants - three relocation businesses and two brand-new ones - are taking over prime downtown San Jose spots along or near San Fernando Street.A prominent space at First and San Fernando streets will soon be home to Elyse, the upscale French Vietnamese restaurant that has been looking for a new site as redevelopment looms for its current Second Street spot.
San Jose hotel site OK'd for 100-plus rooms flops into loan default
SAN JOSE A San Jose site where a 132-room hotel was proposed has tumbled into a loan default and faces foreclosure, a fresh indicator of post-coronavirus economic maladies for the Bay Area lodging sector.The hotel was proposed at 1510 South De Anza Blvd. in west San Jose, very close to the Cupertino city line, according to San Jose planning documents.
Saratoga works to approve its Housing Element to add 1,700 housing units
In a year that has seen California cities hit with aggressive state mandates for new housing construction, Saratoga has seen its plan to add 1,700 new units rejected twice.City officials are working to get the latest round of edits approved before May 31, after which Saratoga could see penalties that include delays or even ineligibility for state funding, and a shorter window of time to rezone.
A Democratic Socialist Bows Out in Harlem as Challengers Circle
Kristin Richardson Jordan, a democratic socialist who is among the most left-leaning elected officials in New York City, announced on Tuesday that she was abruptly withdrawing from next month's Democratic primary and would not seek re-election to the City Council.Her upset victory in a Harlem Council race by 100 votes just two years ago was seen by some as a watershed moment for the city's ascendant progressive movement, a sign that voters could accept a politician whose views included abolishing the Police Department.
Offices, 850 homes may sprout near San Jose BART stop, new plans show
SAN JOSE Well over 800 homes and a big office complex would be added to a mixed-use development that's slated to sprout near a San Jose BART station, city planning documents show.The project is in the late stages of approval by San Jose officials and is headed for a final decision by the City Council following its endorsement by the municipality's Planning Commission.
FBI searched Ald. Jim Gardiner's text messages amid probe into alleged $5,000 cash payment from developer, court records show
Federal investigators sought and were granted access to Northwest Side Ald. Jim Gardiner's text messages a little over a year after he took office, as part of an investigation into whether he accepted a $5,000 payment from a developer in exchange for stalling a housing development in the ward, according to a search warrant application unsealed this week.
Piedmont council approves housing element resolutions
PIEDMONT The City Council on Monday unanimously approved both resolutions to adopt its sixth cycle housing element amending the Piedmont general plan to repeal the fifth cycle housing element and adopting an initial study and negative declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
AUSTIN, Texas For State Rep. Celia Israel to become Austin's 53rd mayor, she'll need to first defeat the city's 48th mayor, Kirk Watson.And when asked how she's most different than Watson, Israel was succinct with her answer before elaborating.I'm a chick, she said laughing on Inside Texas Politics.
Integral to Build 226 Homes on LA River in Long Beach
Integral Communities' Eugene Rosenfeld with 12 Baker Street (Eugene Rosenfeld, Long Beach City Council, Getty) Integral Communities will develop 226 homes along a polluted stretch of the Los Angeles River in North Long Beach.The Newport Beach-based developer was approved by the City Council to build the gated community at 12 Baker Street, the Long Beach Post reported.
Neighborhood groups warn of bill to limit, kill city regulations - Austin Monitor
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 by Jo Clifton Members of two neighborhood coalitions have been contacting members of the Texas House to alert them to what they perceive as an especially dangerous bill, one that could strip cities throughout the state, as well as counties and special districts, of their ability to protect citizens from a variety of dangers.
Grid Architects designs women's-only social housing tower for London
Planning approval has been granted for a housing development in London that will provide 102 affordable homes to women, designed by Grid Architects for the Women's Pioneer Housing association.Named Brook House, the social housing tower will have a 15-storey core with 11- and 13-storey wings on either side.
Olzbundt housing shows "criticism of the longevity of wooden buildings is unfounded"
The first of our Timber Revolution case studies looks at an innovative, early example of mass-timber multi-storey housing, designed by Austrian studio HK Architekten in the 1990s.Named the Ölzbündt building, the housing development in Dornbirn, Austria, is an early example where mass-timber was used to create a large housing block.
Massive West Nile Virus outbreak in Arizona shattered records, killed 101
As the COVID-19 pandemic raged around the country in the summer of 2021, another virus-an endemic one spread by mosquitoes-thrashed residents of one Arizona county, causing a record-shattering outbreak that left 101 people dead, according to a study published today by Arizona health officials.The virus is West Nile, which constantly lurks in hundreds of bird species in the US and spreads to humans via mosquito bites.
Familias inmigrantes de la ciudad sufrieron mayores tasas de carga financiera excesiva del alquiler y hacinamiento en sus hogares en 2021
En los hogares encabezados por inmigrantes con niños, el 52 por ciento experimentó una carga financiera excesiva del alquiler en 2021, según un nuevo estudio, en comparación con el 48 por ciento de los hogares de ciudadanos con niños.Corte de vivienda del condado del Bronx el 14 de enero de 2022.
Feds warn Ontario they could shut down development near Rouge Park, Ford 'not too concerned' | CBC News
A new study examining the effect of development on biodiversity and species-at-risk in a massive national park could shut down part of Ontario's plan to build housing in the area, says Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.Guilbeault says the study will be done as soon as possible on Rouge National Urban Park in the Greater Toronto Area.
Who do Doug Ford's PCs want to see as Toronto's next mayor? | CBC News
Conservative political organizers in Toronto have shifted into high gear in the wake of John Tory's announcement that he will resign as mayor and names of potential candidates are starting to emerge.The two names being floated the most frequently by Ontario PC and Conservative Party of Canada sources who've spoken with CBC News since Tory's shock announcement on Friday night: Beaches-East York councillor Brad Bradford, who's chair of the city's planning and housing committee Willowdale MPP Stan Cho, who's currently associate minister of transportation in Premier Doug Ford's government.
OPP working to determine whether to investigate Greenbelt development plan | CBC News
Ontario Provincial Police say they're working to determine whether they should investigate the government's plans to open up the protected Greenbelt to development.The Progressive Conservative government has proposed removing land from 15 different areas of the Greenbelt so that 50,000 homes can be built, while adding acres elsewhere.
Prominent developer family linked to more Greenbelt properties slated for housing | CBC News
Days after reporting a family of prominent Ontario developers are primary owners of protected Greenbelt land that could soon be opened for housing development, CBC Toronto has linked additional properties to the De Gasperis family.The Ford government is currently consulting the public on a plan to remove approximately 2,995 hectares of land from the Greenbelt, which was created in 2005 to permanently protect agricultural and environmentally sensitive lands in the Greater Golden Horseshoe area from development.
Housing development could sprout at San Jose fast-food restaurant site
SAN JOSE A housing development could sprout on the site of a fast-food restaurant in San Jose that would be cleared away to accommodate the project.The proposed residential complex would occur at 1999 Camden Avenue, across the street from Cambrian Park Plaza, a shopping center with a familiar carousel where a massive redevelopment has been in the works for years.
San Jose site for proposed housing project tumbles into loan default
SAN JOSE A San Jose site where a housing development of more than 100 apartments might sprout has tumbled into default on its real estate loan, raising questions about the project's future.The development site is located at 826 North Winchester Boulevard, a short distance from two of San Jose's big malls, Westfield Valley Fair and Santana Row.
Edaville owner wants to nix Thomas Land, focus on Christmas season and housing units
Some future changes are in store for Edaville Family Theme Park, southeastern Massachusetts' popular train-themed attraction.The owner of the Carver park, which opened 76 years ago, plans to do away with the Thomas Land section of the park and wants to only open during the months of November and December, with some offseason events.
Weeks After Manresa's Closure, David Kinch Announces Plans for New Restaurants in Los Gatos
Just two weeks after the closure of his influential Northern California restaurant Manresa, chef David Kinch is giving fans a first sense of what's next.According to the Mercury News, Kinch and his "business and bakery partners" will open three new restaurants as a part of a housing development being built in Los Gatos.
San Jose office building lands some funding, skirts foreclosure sale
SAN JOSE A San Jose office building that had been seized through a foreclosure in recent years has managed for the moment to avoid a second auction and foreclosure after landing some financing.The building, located at 826 North Winchester Boulevard in San Jose, had been scheduled to be auctioned off on Jan. 6, but the sale was canceled on Dec. 29, soon after it landed two new loans.
Former Mayor Sam Liccardo | Gridlock in D.C. | KQED
A slim majority of ultraconservatives are holding Washington, D.C., hostage.So what's the outlook for the 118th Congress and its ability to govern?Representative Ro Khanna joins us to share the latest on the almost unprecedented gridlock on Capitol Hill.Plus a look at the January 6th Select Committee findings and the future of California's U.S. Senate seat.
AAGLA, Howard Jarvis Association Challenge Measure ULA
Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles president Dan Yukelson (LinkedIn, Getty) Landlord advocacy group Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles has joined with a nonprofit tax policy lobbying group to file the first legal challenge to Measure ULA, the controversial new City of L.A. transfer tax measure.
China's Xi strikes deals with Saudi royals during 'milestone' visit
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on December 8, 2022.Bandar Al-Jaloud, AFP Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a raft of deals with Saudi officials during a three-day visit to Riyadh as Beijing seeks to shore up its Covid-hit economy and as the Saudis, long-term US allies, push to diversify their economic and political alliances.
A Stunning' 1,300-Year-Old Gold Necklace Is Unearthed in England
A 1,300-year-old gold-and-gemstone necklace that was recently discovered in an ancient grave site in England may have belonged to a woman who was an early Christian leader, according to experts involved in the discovery.The ancient jewelry was unearthed in Northamptonshire in April during excavations that took place ahead of a planned housing development, according to RPS, a professional services firm that managed the archaeological investigation on behalf of the housing developer, Vistry Group.
1,300-year-old necklace among treasures found buried at housing development site
A 1,300-year-old necklace, discovered on the site of a new housing development, was buried in the grave of a woman who may have been royalty or a powerful Christian leader, archaeologists have said.The centuries-old treasure was found during excavations in April ahead of construction starting on a new housing development in Northamptonshire.
Dig at UK housing site yields major 7th century treasures
A 1,300-year-old gold and gemstone necklace found on the site of a new housing development marks the grave of a powerful woman who may have been an early Christian religious leader in Britain, archaeologists said Tuesday.Experts say the necklace, uncovered with other items near Northampton in central England, is part of the most significant early medieval burial of a woman ever found in the U.K. The woman is long gone some tooth enamel is all that remains.
Hundreds of apartments could replace Redwood City retail center
REDWOOD CITY More than 400 residences could replace a big shopping center in Redwood City, city documents show, fresh evidence that more retail complexes are giving way to new housing projects.The project could sprout on the site of Veterans Square, a Redwood City retail center at 1205 Veterans Blvd.
Hundreds of homes, including some affordable units, are eyed in downtown Oakland
OAKLAND A housing development with hundreds of homes, many of them affordable, is being eyed in downtown Oakland next to a busy freeway, plans on file with city officials show.An estimated 272 homes and as many as 300 would be built at 430 Broadway in Oakland, according to a proposal by a development alliance that was filed with city planners.